Gov. DeSantis signed SB 302 and HB 1417, the first bills of the 2026 legislative session, at a Bradenton press conference. SB 302 blocks construction of a cruise terminal at Manatee County’s Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve and directs the DEP to develop statewide standards for nature-based coastal protection methods by 2027, while HB 1417 makes administrative changes to DEP projected to save about $500,000 annually.
A record 9.5 million metric tons of sargassum is currently moving westward from the South Atlantic toward Florida’s East Coast, the Keys, and Caribbean islands — the largest bloom ever recorded. When the seaweed reaches shorelines, it piles up, smothers sea turtle nesting sites, causes fish kills, and emits hydrogen sulfide as it decomposes, posing significant threats to tourism and coastal economies.
A bill that would have required removal of the Kirkpatrick Dam by 2032 died in the final days of the Florida legislative session, drawing celebration from Putnam County residents and officials who value the reservoir’s bass fishery and economic benefits. Supporters of dam removal say it would have restored freshwater flow to the St. Johns River and uncovered 20 submerged springs.
Florida’s New Law Means Gas Leaf Blowers Are Here to Stay | Florida Today
Senate Bill 290, taking effect July 1, prevents Florida cities and counties from banning gas-powered leaf blowers and other lawn equipment. Cities including Naples, Miami Beach, Winter Park, South Miami, Pinecrest, Key Biscayne, and Palm Beach had previously enacted local bans or regulations on gas-powered lawn equipment.
Toxic Air Polluters in Florida Benefited from Economic Subsidies | TC Palm
Industrial facilities across Indian River, Martin, and St. Lucie counties released an average of more than 225 tons of toxic air pollutants annually from 2015 to 2024, according to a TCPalm analysis of EPA data. Pollutants include styrene, ammonia, particulate matter, and metallic compounds such as nickel, cobalt, and chromium.
Century Council Votes to Nearly Double Water Rates, Increase Sewer Rates | NorthEscambia.com
The Century Town Council voted 3-2 to immediately nearly double water rates on April 1, raising the base rate for 2,000 gallons from $13.59 to $26.64, following a Florida Rural Water Association study that determined the increases were necessary to remain financially viable and service six outstanding loans. For an average customer using 5,000 gallons per month, the combined water and wastewater bill will rise from $48.95 to $74.56.
Extensive Repairs Needed After Wastewater Malfunction | WFTV
An equipment malfunction at Seminole County’s east wastewater treatment plant caused a reclaimed water outage in the eastern service area, with an emergency inspection revealing repairs more extensive than initially expected. Fixes requiring media replacement and critical component repairs are expected to take several weeks once the city commission approves funding.
FSU Doctoral Candidate Receives Ecological Society Policy Award | Florida State University News
FSU doctoral candidate Lillie M. Bradshaw has been selected for the Ecological Society of America’s Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award for her coastal and marine conservation research in the Florida Keys. As one of 20 national recipients, Bradshaw traveled to Washington, D.C. for policy training and meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including a visit to Senator Rick Scott’s office.
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